by Tidal Gardens | May 25, 2017 | Reef, Supplements, Tanks, Video
Phosphate, which is PO4 (that is one atom of phosphorous and four atoms of oxygen), is an essential trace compound in reef aquariums that is used in protein synthesis. In an aquarium, phosphate levels can get high and that opens the door for potential problems. The three biggest problems one can face from high phosphate are: 1. Algae blooms. Lack of phosphate in the water is one of the bottlenecks of algae growth. Remember it’s less than 0.05 ppm. When phosphate levels rise algae can grow out of control. 2. Coral Appearance. High phosphate can cause browning of corals as it promotes the proliferation of zooxanthellae which typically is more brown in color. 3. Phosphate can directly inhibit calcification. This is a big problem if you are like me and trying to grow lots of stony corals. If the phosphate is high, what can we do about it? There are actually a lot of different potential solutions to this problem. Music: Tracks: “Raindrops” Artist: David Cutter Music (http://www.davidcuttermusic.co.uk) License Terms: Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Video: Camera information: Canon C100 Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS macro Canon EF MP-E 65mm f/2.8 macro Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 Free Fly Movi Pro Stabilizer Copyright Information: This video was shot and edited by Tidal Gardens. Tidal Gardens owns all intellectual property rights to this content. by ReefBum | May 25, 2017 | Corals, Reef, Science
One of the great things about this hobby are the nicknames given to designer, high end Acropora. The Icefire Enchinata, ORA Pearlberry, Strawberry Shortcake, Tyree Red Dragon and Tyree Pink Lemonade are a few examples of corals with eclectic names. An eye catching name is certainly important to create awareness and drive demand so marketing is a big part of the game. Some of the names seem logical while others make you scratch your head and wonder. For instance, the Oregon Blue Tort makes sense since it is a blue Tortuosa that was originally propagated for sale in Oregon. On the other hand, the Purple Monster is very purple but how the heck did they come up with the Monster part? Purple Monster’s Typically Have White Polyps by Barry Brown | May 25, 2017 | Invertebrates, Reef, Science
Good morning, after I did my five days of photography for the Smithsonian Institution off the coast of St. Eustatius, I then started shooting photos for the SIRENAS group which involved shooting deep-sea sponges of every size color and shape one could... by AquaNerd | May 25, 2017 | Corals, Reef, Science
For many, the black torch coral (Euphyllia glabrescensis) is considered to be one of the rarest color variations for torch corals in the aquarium trade. It’s moniker comes from the coral’s dark, almost black tentacles that wave in the water beneath vivid, contrasting goldish to yellowish tips. The Euphyllia Torch Coral is classified by aquarists as a large polyp stony (LPS) coral. It has long and flowing polyps with single rounded tips which are visible throughout the day and night, hiding its branching skeletal base most of the time. Typically, it is sold in shades of brown or green with a contrasting color on the tips on its tentacles. E. glabrescensis is considered to be one of, if not the most desirable Euphyllia species to keep in by Barry Brown | May 24, 2017 | Fish, Reef, Science
Hello again, I have a super tiny quarter inch puffer fish for you all today called a Canthigaster jamestyleri found super deep off the coast of St. Eustatius. These puffers are very similar to the shallow species which I used to post all the time for you called a sharpnose puffer you can use the search box above to check those out and refresh the o’l memory. If disturbed like other puffers, they can inflate themselves into a small balloon which come in handy if your being eaten. Also as an added bonus, the word is underwater from prey species is that they just plain don’t taste that great any ways. by AquaNerd | May 23, 2017 | Fish, Reef, Science
TLF Stax – coming soon Two Little Fishes is launching Stax, a new product with an innovative aquascaping approach. The Stax concept is a building block approach that I had the pleasure of learning about in the Two Little Fishies booth at Reef-A-Palooza, Orlando. Every Stax rock is double cut with flat surfaces on two sides. This simplifies the stacking process enabling a quick and more stable installation. Manufactured of natural oolitic limestone mined in Florida and suitable for both marine and freshwater aquariums, Stax is designed to work in small to large aquariums. Simply start with a building base and let your creativity flow. Two Little Fishes AquaStik, CorAffix glue or your favorite reef safe binding agent, should be used to securely create caves
